Let Ipoh council conduct study first, Perak MB says over alcohol ban idea

Summary

• Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad urges all parties to give room to the Ipoh City Council to carry out its study on banning sales of alcohol in Muslim-majority areas.

• He says the study will consider various aspects and stresses that any decision must be inclusive and reflect the true wishes of the people in each area.

• Saarani calls for MBI to consider a rule that can ensure harmony among the multiracial society.

  ---

The Perak state government has no objection against the Ipoh City Council's (MBI) move to study the demands of residents from Muslim-majority areas before enforcing an alcohol sales ban, said Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad.

In a statement today, he said the study would consider various aspects including demographic data and stressed that any decision would only be made after considering public feedback and according to the wishes of the respective locality.

"MBI has to carry out a thorough study so the policy would not only focus on protecting the interests of Muslim residents but also consider the need for a rule that can ensure harmony among the multiracial society.

"The state government wants to stress that any decision made will be inclusive by considering the public's feedback, reflecting the true wishes of the locals and be in line with the existing laws," he said.

Saarani's statement came amid a polemic regarding MBI's plan to expand the ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages in Muslim-majority areas.

Currently, such a policy is enforced only in Manjoi.

‘Give MBI space’

Perak PAS has since urged the administration to state its position on the matter after Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming issued a statement claiming that there will be no changes to the rules regarding the sale of alcohol.

On this, Saarani urged all parties to give space for MBI to conduct the study first, saying that any debate on the matter at this stage is unnecessary.

"...there shouldn't be any issue or argument on this matter at this stage, because it will only cause confusion and tension among the public.

"All parties should give room for MBI to conduct a thorough study on this proposal," he said.

No changes to alcohol sale regulations, Nga assures

Perak PAS urges MCA not to wield alcohol issue as political tool

'Don't be stupid': MCA's plan to score points hits Akmal snag

Perak MCA: Alcohol sale already banned in Manjoi, beware of expansion